To evaluate associations between changes in frontal cortex and hippocampal volumes and activation patterns and changes in neuropsychological test performance. [ Time Frame: 4 to 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

To evaluate the relationship between change in level of oxidative DNA damage markers of cell senescence (Telomere attrition) and changes in volume and activation patterns in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. [ Time Frame: 4 to 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Patients with cancer often complain that their "mind does not seem to be clear." This can be due to stress, depression, anxiety, or physical problems caused by cancer or the treatments used to control symptoms. There are many purposes for this study; one of them is to learn about the effects of cancer treatments on the brain, and another is to identify useful tools to detect these effects. The results of this study may stimulate new research comparing different treatments to the current treatment so the researchers may learn how to treat symptoms more effectively and improve patient quality of life. We would also like to learn more about the effects chemotherapy may have on DNA.

Detailed Description

This is a prospective, longitudinal study to examine time-dependent neurocognitive changes in patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. This study will assess chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction. The researchers will recruit patients with localized breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for the first time and will test the effects of chemotherapy on patients' cognitive function utilizing a standardized neuropsychological battery. Patients scheduled for chemotherapy will be given a battery of neuropsychological undergo MRI evaluation prior to beginning chemotherapy and one month following completion of treatment.

Study Type ICMJE

Observational

Study Design ICMJE

Observational Model: Case ControlTime Perspective: Prospective

Target Follow-Up Duration

Not Provided

Biospecimen

Retention: Samples With DNA

Description:

blood

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Potential subjects for the study will be identified MSKCC's clinic.

Healthy control group participants will be recruited through advertisements and flyers which will be available/advertised in the community. Health control participants will also be recruited by asking survivors if they have a friend who might want to volunteer for the study.

A noncancer control group (N=35), frequency matched on age (< 50 and ≥ 50) and education (less than college or some college and above) will also be recruited and evaluated with the same neuropsychological test battery on a schedule that matches the inter-test interval of the patients.

We will recruit patients with localized breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for the first time and will test the effects of chemotherapy will be given a battery of neuropsychological tests and an MRI evaluation prior to beginning chemotherapy and approximately one month (plus/minus 4 weeks) following completion of treatment.

Patient is chemotherapy naïve and is receiving chemotherapy or is scheduled to receive no chemotherapy as part of adjuvant treatment

Patient does not report history of prior breast or other cancer with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer and/or participants who completed treatment for a previous cancer at least 5 years ago and have not undergone any chemotherapy.